with Carol Look

What is EFT?

May 30, 2010

EFT is a form of psychological acupressure that uses a gentle tapping technique instead of needles to stimulate traditional Chinese acupuncture points. The tapping on the designated points on the face and body is combined with verbalizing the identified problem followed by a general affirmation phrase.

Combining these ingredients of the EFT technique balances the energy system and appears to relieve psychological stress and physical pain. Restoring the balance of the energy system allows the body and mind to resume their natural healing abilities. EFT is safe, easy to apply, and is non-invasive.

Designed by Gary Craig, a personal performance coach in California, EFT belongs to a new class of treatments referred to as Energy Psychology. EFT and variations on Meridian Tapping Techniques are one of the most effective, efficient, gentle treatment techniques I have come across since joining the mental health field nearly seventeen years ago.

As Gary neatly summarized in a recent article on his web site, scientists agree that the body is an “energy configuration” made up of positive and negative electrical charges in the form of atoms, the basic “building blocks of all matter.” Einstein informed modern scientists that all matter lies somewhere on the same energy continuum. This was captured in his famous Theory of Relativity which states E=MC². If we view the human body as an energy configuration rather than separate organs, parts and equations of chemicals, we will understand why and how EFT works.

Personally, I have used EFT to help people eliminate the following challenges:

While EFT is without a doubt the most elegant, exciting, impressive healing tool I have ever come across in over 17 years in the mental health field, EFT is not a “cure-all.” At times, the results are so astounding that, yes, it appears to help people “cure” their problems. However, we need to see and use it as a tool, to help us regain balance in our emotional, physical and spiritual lives. As with all tools, they can be misused, handled inadequately, or applied in a mechanical, course, heartless way.

EFT is NOT hypnosis, cognitive-behavioral therapy, NLP, prayer, laying on of hands, Reike, Therapeutic Touch, or any other technique that has similar properties or compatible supporting theories.

EFT is NOT a replacement for adequate mental health counseling or physiological tests and treatment by authorized and licensed Medical Doctors.

EFT is NOT a technique to be used with severely disturbed individuals by inexperienced clinicians.

EFT is NOT a replacement for learning invaluable interpersonal communication skills — learning how to share feelings responsibly and to listen to others deeply and respectfully.

In short, when used correctly, EFT has the ability to enhance the emotional peace, physical strength, and spiritual depth of your life. But you still have to live your life and interact with your partners, children, employer, friends and colleagues!